Sweet Potato, Vardaman

This variety is named after the famous sweet potato growing town in Mississippi from which, some say, come the world's finest sweet potato. Vardaman is a bush-type variety with golden-yellow skin that darkens after digging. The flesh is the deepest, brightest, red-orange color that we've seen. The best sweet potato in our taste test.

How to Sow

Set bareroots outside in warm weather after all danger of frost has passed. Plant sweet potatoes in ridges 8-15" high and 3-4 apart. Set the plants 12-16" apart.

How to Grow

Provide sweet potato plants with 3/4" of water weekly when they are young, and water them more as the plants mature. Do not water during the 2 weeks before harvest. Cultivate around the plants to prevent weeds and to prevent side roots from developing.

Harvesting

Harvest small roots anytime as desired, or harvest full-sized roots in the fall. Dig remaining roots before frost and cure them in a warm, humid location for 10 days. Store them at 55°F at high humidity. Eat sweet potatoes baked, mashed, candied, caramelized, deep-fried, stuffed or boiled.